The six clashes (六冲)
The twelve earthly branches sit in a circle. The six pairs directly opposite each other are the six clashes:
- Rat (子) ↔ Horse (午)
- Ox (丑) ↔ Goat (未)
- Tiger (寅) ↔ Monkey (申)
- Rabbit (卯) ↔ Rooster (酉)
- Dragon (辰) ↔ Dog (戌)
- Snake (巳) ↔ Pig (亥)
"Clash" here is a structural term from the calendar system — two positions pulling in opposite directions — not a statement that the people are enemies.
The six harms (六害)
The six harms are a different set of pairings said to drain or quietly undermine each other: Rat–Goat, Ox–Horse, Tiger–Snake, Rabbit–Dragon, Monkey–Pig, Rooster–Dog. They are read as milder and more subtle than the clashes.
The three punishments (三刑)
The three punishments describe groups of branches that are said to aggravate one another: Tiger–Monkey–Snake, Ox–Dog–Goat, and the "self-punishment" pairs (Dragon, Horse, Rooster, Pig with themselves in certain contexts). Again, these are calendar structures given a relational meaning.
A balanced way to read them
These patterns are a traditional vocabulary for tension and fit, useful as a prompt for reflection — "where might we naturally differ, and how do we handle it?" They are not predictions. For actual compatibility, see our guide on zodiac compatibility and the years chart.
If you want to go deeper than the year animal, a full BaZi chart looks at the whole picture — month, day and hour branches too, not just the zodiac year. Our zodiac guide covers the basics.
On "remedies"
Folk practice offers symbolic ways to soften a clash — introducing a third "mediating" sign, choosing favourable timing, and so on. These can be meaningful cultural gestures and useful conversation starters. The real remedy for any relationship, though, is communication, respect and shared effort — not astrology alone.